“Lithuanian folk forms and spectral voices, where analogue and electronic instruments come together.” (The Guardian) - Uncut: “Bewitching”.

We’ll never forget the opening track Oi Toli playing at the public farewell ceremony of renowned musician Tom Pintens (Het Zesde Metaal). It was a captivating, otherworldly, beautiful start to what would be a melancholic, soothing farewell. Turns out the track belongs to merope (BE/LT). The duo, consisting of Bert Cools and Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė, quickly captured a place in our hearts. 

The duo considers their fifth and latest album, Vėjula, to be their most experimental so far. It garnered significant praise, described as “quietly astounding” by The Skinny and “bewitching” by Uncut. The album even made it to The Guardian’s prestigious list ‘The 10 best folk albums of 2024’ alongside virtuosos such as Elijah Minnelli, Jacken Elswyth (Shovel Dance Collective) and Landless. 

The Guardian: “A tonic for our troubled times, merope’s album offers total immersion into a realm of skittering Lithuanian folk forms and spectral voices, where analogue and electronic instruments come together to sound like harmonious family members. Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė sings and plays the kanklės (a Baltic box zither played in Lithuania since the 15th century) with a mesmerising power.” 

merope is bringing along a special guest: the remarkable flautist Magic Malik (FR), who previously collaborated with Laurent Garnier, St Germain, Air and Oumou Sangaré.